Real Madrid star's attitude gives massive hint into Trent Alexander-Arnold truth
Dani Carvajal is already thinking about life after Real Madrid amid the Spanish club's interest in signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Carvajal has spent all but one year of his career with the Bernabeu club, but will turn 33 next week and seemingly has his eye on one last, big pay-day.
The Spaniard, who sustained a potentially season-ending knee injury in October, spoke in a recent interview with Esquire about how the prospect of a move to Saudi Arabia appeals to him.
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"I'm 32 years old, I'm not a child anymore," he said. "What do I have left? Four or five years of football? It's not enough, time goes by quickly. I've already said that if I ever leave Real Madrid I won't play in Europe , I won't compete against Madrid in the Champions League or in Spain.
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"It (Saudi Arabia) would be a probable destination. Joselu [who plays for Saudi club Al Gharafa] tells me: 'I'm waiting for you here, I'm saving the right-back position for you'.
"It (the Saudi Pro League) is a competition in which all the stadiums are close, there is a very high quality of life. And he has earned it, to have that important financial remuneration that puts a spectacular end to his career. I am very happy for him, for my sister-in-law (Carvajal and Joselu are married to twin sisters) and for my nephews."
Carvajal is unlikely to return for Madrid before the end of the campaign, and by the time the start of next season comes around his place in the Madrid team might have been taken by Alexander-Arnold.
Madrid extended Carvajal's contract, which was previously due to expire this year, until 2026 shortly after he sustained his knee injury, in what was seen as a sign of loyalty to a player who has committed the majority of his life to the club.
But Alexander-Arnold will expect to be a starter should he make the move to the Spanish capital, and a transfer could signal the beginning of the end for Carvajal as a first-team regular for Madrid.